HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-09-2025 Council PacketCITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025 AT CITY HALL
6:00 P.M.
6:00 p.m. L Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance/Approval of Agenda
Estimated
times
6:00 p.m. IL Oath of Office — Councilmember Mark Swenson
6:05 p.m. III. Council/Staff Reports
A. Mayor Dougherty
B. Councilmember Johnson
C. Councilmember Liljegren
D. Councilmember Runk
E. Staff
• City Administrator
• Chief of Police
• Assistant City Administrator/City Clerk (pg. 2)
6:10 p.m. IV. Visitors/Public Comment
This is an opportunity for the public to address the Council with questions or concerns on issues not part of the regular
agenda (Please limit comments to 3 minutes in length).
6:10 p.m. V. Consent Agenda (Roll Call Vote)
A. Approve Bills & Investments
B. Approve City Council Worksession Notes — August 26, 2025 (pg. 3)
C. Approve City Council Minutes — August 26, 2025 (pg. 5)
D. Award the 2025 Fall Ash Tree Removal & Stump Grinding Project Contract to
SavATree who Provided the Lowest Responsive and Responsible Bid (pg. 9)
E. Adopt Proclamation for United Way of Washington County East Week October 6
through 12, 2025 (pg. 13)
F. Approve Appointing the City Administrator to the Coalition of Utility Cities
Working Group (pg. 15)
6:10 p.m. VI. Public Hearings
6:10 p.m. VIL Old Business
6:10 p.m. VIIL New Business
6:10 p.m. IX. Other Council Items or Announcements
6:10 p.m. X. Closed Session
A. Discussion of a Personnel Matter Involving Non -Public Health/Medical Data
(closed pursuant to MN Stat. 13D.05, Subd. 2(a)(3))
B. Discussion of Personnel Matters Involving Labor Negotiations Strategy
Discussions (closed pursuant to MN Stat. 13D.03, Subd. l(b))
6:20 p.m. XI. Reopen Regular Meeting
A. Possible Action on Closed Session
6:25 p.m. XII. Adjournment
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City •
1 Oak Park Heights
.• Oak Park Blvd. Oak Park Heights,0 Phone . • 4
September 3, 2025
Melissa Lust
5600 Osgood Avenue North
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082
Dear Ms. Lust:
Thank you for participating in the City's recycling program. As an incentive to
recycle and to increase fire prevention awareness, the City rewards two residents
each month with their choice of an award of a fire extinguisher and/or smoke
detector.
Your residence was checked on Wednesday, September 3, to determine if you had
your recycling bin out with your regular garbage. Your recycling was out and ready
for collection; therefore, you are one of this month's winners. Please contact me
via phone at 439-4439 or email at jpinski@cityofoakparkheights.com to let me
know your choice of award.
On behalf of the Oak Park Heights City Council, thank you for participating in the
City's recycling program.
Congratulations!
Jennifer Pinski
Assistant City Administrator
TREE CITY U.S.A.
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la
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION NOTES
TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2025
Present: Mayor Dougherty, Councilmembers Johnson and Runk; City Administrator Rife,
Assistant City Administrator Pinski, Police Chief Hansen, Finance Director Egger, Public Works
Director Kegley, and City Attorney Sandstrom. Absent: Councilmember Liljegren.
L Call to Order: Mayor Dougherty called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
II. Discussion Items
1. City Council Vacancy. Council unanimously selected Mark Swenson to be appointed.
Councilmember Johnson suggested the City Council send a letter to all candidates
thanking them for applying. Mayor Dougherty requested an appointment Resolution
be added to the September 9, 2025 City Council Agenda. No action taken.
2. Fiscal Year 2026 Budget: City Administrator Rife provided a presentation on the
preliminary budget. No action taken.
Refuse and Recycling Contract: Assistant City Administrator Pinski provided a
summary of the responses to the Request for Proposals and recommended the City
Council authorize extension of the current contract with Tennis Sanitation. City
Council requested an action item be added to the September 9, 2025 City Council
Agenda. No action taken.
4. Swager Park Trail Through Andersen Property: City Administrator Rife provided an
update on correspondence with Andersen Corporation. No action taken.
5. Hwy 36 Engine Braking Letter: City Administrator Rife provided an update and
planned to reach out to the new Ease Area Manager for the Minnesota Department of
Transportation. No action taken.
6. Food Trucks: Assistant Administrator Pinski requested clarification and direction
from the City Council on food truck permit approvals. Mayor Dougherty directed
staff to continue with the process they were following, and the Ordinance could be
revisited with the code update. No action taken.
7. Water Infrastructure Funding: City Administrator Rife reported that staff was
exploring the option of a local option sales tax. No action was taken.
Utility Easement Acquisition: City Administrator Rife provided an update. No action
was taken.
III. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
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CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2025
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
L Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance/Approval of Agenda: Mayor Dougherty called the
meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Present: Councilmembers Johnson and Runk. Staff present:
City Administrator Rife, Police Chief Hansen, City Planner Richards, City Attorney
Sandstrom, Public Works Director Kegley, and Assistant City Administrator/City Clerk
Pinski. Absent: Councilmember Liljegren.
Mayor Dougherty added Consent Agenda Item L.: "Authorize Staff to Engage in a
Contract Extension with Tennis Sanitation for Garbage and Recycling Collection" and
Old Business Item A.: "Council Vacancy."
Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember Runk, moved to approve the
Agenda as amended. Carried 3-0.
II. Council/Staff Reports:
A. Mayor Dougherty: He reported he and the City Administrator met with the City's
lobbyists the previous week.
B. Councilmember Johnson: She reported she chaired the League of Minnesota
Cities Improving Service Delivery Policy Committee meeting where they
discussed police staffing and cannabis rules.
C. Councilmember Liljegren: Absent.
D. Councilmember Runk: He reported he attended the Convention and Visitors
Bureau meeting.
E. Staff: City Administrator Rife provided an update on the Well #3 Project.
Police Chief Hansen thanked all involved in Night to Unite on August 5.
Assistant City Administrator Pinski reported that Jeff Anderson of 14224 57tn
Street North was chosen as the recycling award winner.
III. Visitors/Public Comment: None
IV. Consent Agenda:
A. Approve Bills & Investments
B. Approve City Council Worksession Notes — July 22, 2025
C. Approve City Council Minutes — July 22, 2025
D. Approve Special Event Permit for Homecoming Carnival at Stillwater Area High
School with Food Trucks
E. Approve Resolution Authorizing Receipt of Donation from Walmart
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City Council Meeting Minutes
August 26, 2025
Page 2 of 3
F. Approve Resolution Supporting the Submission of a Capital Budget Request to
the Minnesota Management and Budget Office for the 2026 Legislative Session
G. Authorize an Agreement with Valley Concrete for the City Hall West Stair Case
H. Approve Trade in and Purchase of Public Works Vehicles
I. Accept Resignation by Jim Kremer from the Planning Commission and Adopt
Resolution Thanking him for his Service
J. Appoint Carissa Stimpfel to the Planning Commission to Fill Vacancy
K. Approve Amendments to the Planning Commission Bylaws
L. Authorize Staff to Engage in a Contract Extension with Tennis Sanitation for
Garbage and Recycling Collection
Mayor Dougherty pulled Item I from the Consent Agenda.
Councilmember Runk, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, moved to approve the
remainder of the Consent Agenda. Roll call vote taken. Carried 3-0.
Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember Runk, moved to accept the
resignation of Jim Kremer from the Planning Commission, adopt the Resolution thanking
him for his service, and purchase a small sign of recognition for the bike rack at City
Hall. Roll call vote taken. Carried 3-0.
V. Public Hearings: None.
VI. Old Business:
A. Council Vacancy: Councilmember Runk, seconded by Councilmember Johnson,
moved to approve a Resolution appointing Mark Swenson to the City Council.
Roll call vote taken. Carried 3-0.
VIL New Business:
A. Conditional Use Permits for Accessory Building — 14899 Upper 55m Street North:
City Planner Richards provided his report. Councilmember Runk, seconded by
Councilmember Johnson, moved to approve the Resolution. Roll call vote taken.
Carried 3-0.
B. Resolution Annroving an Extension of a Conditional Use Permit and Desi
Guidelines/Site Plan Review at 5963 O'Dell Avenue North: Councilmember
Johnson, seconded by Councilmember Runk, moved to approve the Resolution.
Roll call vote taken. Carried 3-0.
VIII. Other Council Items or Announcements: None
IX. Adiournment: Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember Runk, moved to
adjourn at 6:20 p.m. Carried 3-0.
Page 6 of 16
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Pinski
City Clerk
City Council Meeting Minutes
August 26, 2025
Page 3 of 3
Approved as to Content and Form,
Chuck Dougherty
Mayor
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Date: September 9, 2025
Consent
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Lisa Danielson, City Arborist
AGENDA ITEM: Award the 2025 Fall Ash Tree Removal & Stump Grinding project contract
to SavATree who Provided the Lowest Responsive and Responsible Bid
BACKGROUND:
The 2025 Fall Ash Tree Removal & Stump Grinding project will remove all the remaining City
owned ash trees within Brekke Park neighborhood, City Hall, 55th Street N (west of Oakgreen Ave
N), 56th Street N (west of Oakgreen Ave N) and Novak Ave N. Through a public bidding process,
the City received three responses from contractors. However, only two of the contractors meet the
requirements to work around overhead utility lines and within 10 feet of energized conductors
(transformers, street lights, etc.) which is a requirement for the project. SavATree submitted the
lowest responsive and responsible bid$238,256.20 for the main work list. We are opting to NOT
move forward with the alternate work at this time.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
• DOES ACTION REQUIRE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS? YES
• IF YES, TOTAL COST: $238,256.20
• BUDGET LINE ITEM: Budgeted Projects Emerald Ash Borer Eradication Fund
BUDGET AMOUNT: $284,298.00
• WITHIN BUDGET? YES
ACTION REQUESTED:
Award the 2025 Fall Ash Tree Removal & Stump Grinding project contract to SavATree for the
proposed $238,256.20.
ATTACHMENTS:
Bid Tabulation
Map of Project Area
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CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
EM
PROCLAMATION
UNITED WAY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY EAST WEEK
October 2025
Whereas, the citizens of Washington County receive great benefits from the
many programs provided by its health, youth, basic needs and self-sufficiency agencies;
and,
Whereas, United Way of Washington County East brings together businesses,
government agencies, community organizations and individuals, in a united effort to fund
Washington County health, youth, basic needs and self-sufficiency agencies; and,
Whereas, United Way of Washington County East, for the past 76 years, has
made available this financial support from its annual fall giving campaign; and,
Whereas, United Way funds raised in Washington County supports local
organizations and charities for the benefits of its citizens and the improvement of their
quality of life; and,
Whereas, United Way of Washington County East's mission is to unite our
community and local resources to give each person the opportunity to build a better life.
Now therefore we, the City of Oak Park Heights Council, do hereby proclaim the
week of October 6th -12m 2025, as
"United Way Week"
And encourage all citizens to support financially, through United Way, the many local
community organizations that provide invaluable services for our seniors, families and
youth in Washington County.
Signed this 9th day of September, 2025.
Chuck Dougherty, Mayor
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Date: September 9, 2025
Consent
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jacob Rife, City Administrator
AGENDA ITEM: Approve Appointing the City Administrator to the Coalition of Utility
Cities Working Group
BACKGROUND:
The City is a member of the Coalition of Utility Cities (CUC) that includes 7 cities from around the
State of MN that host large, baseload power plants owned by investor -owned utilities. The CUC will
be developing a working group to develop the CUC's legislative agenda and strategy for 2026 and
beyond.
The CUC is seeking one volunteer from each community to serve on the CUC working group. Mayor
Dougherty and the City Administrator have been involved with the CUC. In consultation with Mayor
Dougherty, the City Administrator will be volunteering to serve on the CUC working group on behalf
of the City.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
• Does action require expenditure of funds? No.
ACTION REQUESTED:
Approve the motion
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